Trowbridge cardiac arrest teen's surgery setback (From This Is Wiltshire)

Teenage footballer Quinton Barham’s recovery took a step back this week when doctors discovered fluid around his heart.

Quinton, 13, collapsed while playing for Bradford Town Youth Football Club on February 3.

He had an operation on Wednesday evening to remove 400ml of fluid from around his heart and was expected to be back in intensive care at Bristol Children’s Hospital while he remains attached to drainage tubes.

Dad Paul Barham, 48, of Hyde Road, who has stayed with Quinton since his collapse, said: “He is recovering at the moment, but is on a lot of drugs.

“The doctors have said it went really well. It is a step backwards but they have managed to get on top of it quite quickly.”

Quinton’s condition deteriorated in the last few days when he became breathless, lost his colour and struggled to walk.

“He had been monitored for a while, but the fluid increased and it was constricting his heart,” said Mr Barham.

“Quinton is a strong lad but I’m asking for people to continue to pray for him and wish him all the best.”

Quinton was playing in a Mid Wilts Minor League under 14 cup match at Bromham when he collapsed. His heart was restarted with the help of CPR from a parent and Bradford coach and paramedics, who used a defibrillator.

He was in intensive care at Bristol Children’s Hospital for two weeks after recovering from a successful heart bypass and was moved to his own room last week, before his condition deteriorated.

Mr Barham is raising awareness of the importance of first aid training and Quinton’s school, Clarendon Academy, and the football club have already purchased defibrillators.